Is Intent to Kill Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Intent to Kill is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 88 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Intent to Kill Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1958, Intent to Kill emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of While resisting pressure from his upper-class wife to take a higher-paying job in London, a Montreal physician prepares to carry out brain surgery on a Latin American president. Unlike standard genre fare, Intent to Kill attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Intent to Kill features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Todd . Supported by the likes of Betsy Drake and Herbert Lom , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Intent to Kill (1958) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Intent to Kill Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Intent to Kill is a Thriller, Drama film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Intent to Kill Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Intent to Kill attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Intent to Kill reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Intent to Kill?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Intent to Kill
- Richard Todd – Dr. Bob McLaurin
- Betsy Drake – Dr. Nancy Ferguson
- Herbert Lom – Juan Menda
- Warren Stevens – Finch
- Carlo Giustini – Francisco Flores (as Carlo Justini)
Top Highlights
Richard ToddDr. Bob McLaurin
Betsy DrakeDr. Nancy Ferguson
Herbert LomJuan Menda
Warren StevensFinch
Carlo GiustiniFrancisco Flores (as Carlo Justini)
Paul CarpenterO'Brien
Alexander KnoxDr. McNeil
Lisa GastoniCarla Menda
Peter ArneKral
John CrawfordBoyd
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Intent to Kill has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Thriller, Drama), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.4/10, and global collection metrics, Intent to Kill stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1958 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Intent to Kill movie hit or flop?
Intent to Kill is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.4/10 and lower collections.
Is Intent to Kill worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.4/10, Intent to Kill may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Intent to Kill online?
Intent to Kill may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Intent to Kill
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
